Saturday, April 30, 2011

(2) Have a chronic illness such as lung or cardiovascular disease, or diabetes

(3) Have a weakened immune system

(4) Have had your spleen removed

When and how often?

Get one dose of the vaccine at any time. You may need a second dose if you:

Are age 65 or older and received your first dose before age 65 and five years or more ago.Have a weakened immune system, kidney disease, or have had an organ or bone marrow transplant or your spleen removed.

Who shouldn't have it?

Consult with your doctor if you have a moderate or severe acute illness.

Ttanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis :-

Who should have the tetanus,diphtheria and pertussis(Tdap) Vaccine ?

(1) Adults 19 to 64 years who received their last tetanus vaccine more than 10 years ago.

(2) Adults, including parents, child care providers and health care workers, who have close contact with infants.

(3) Women who have just given birth and who have not previously received Tdap.(4) Any woman who might become pregnant.

(5) Adults who have a "dirty" wound — a wound likely to become infected — and whose last tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster was five or more years ago.

When and how often?

(1) Adults 19 to 64 who are due for a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster shot should receive Tdap instead if they have not previously received Tdap. Other recommendations include:

(2) A series of three vaccinations, beginning with a single dose of Tdap, followed at four weeks by a single dose of Td and another dose of Td six to 12 months later for adults who never finished the Td series or don't know if they ever received the Td vaccine.

(3) Tdap instead of Td for adults needing a tetanus shot for wound management if they have not received Tdap before.

A single dose of Tdap at least two weeks before having close contact with an infant. Pregnant women shouldn't receive Tdap until after giving birth, although Td may be given in the second or third trimester.

Who should not have it?

Don't get Tdap if you:

(1) Have had an severe allergic reaction to a previous dose.

(2) Are pregnant.

(3) Have experienced coma or seizures within seven days of receiving a pertussis vaccine.

(4) Discuss with your doctor if you have had Guillain-Barre syndrome or have epilepsy.